From the Arctic to the Antarctic and most places in between, Lindblad Expeditions has either been there or is headed there. Today the M.V. Sea Bird arrived off the northern end of Isla Espiritu Santo at Isla Partida in the Sea of Cortez, Baja Mexico. We anchored in Ensenada Grande, an isolated and beautiful, expansive white sandy-bottom, turquoise bay. We were whisked ashore in Zodiacs by our trusty crew and officers under crystal clear, bright-blue skies to explore the canyons and arroyos, and to walk along the pristine beaches and the stunning array of flowering cacti, rock formations.
In the afternoon, the ship’s officers repositioned the vessel a short distance to Los Islotes on the very northern tip of Isla Partida. These guano-covered, off-shore rocks are a major California Sea Lion haul out and breeding place, as well as a nesting and roosting site for blue-footed boobies, brown boobies, magnificent frigate birds (pictured here), brown pelicans, cormorants, Heermann’s gulls and yellow-footed gulls. Zodiac cruises offered superb views of the wide array of tropical sea birds, as well as the sculpted rocks, which are resting places and homes for over 200 sea lions. Many of the boisterous bull males were establishing their dominance by groaning and roaring, posturing and fighting. The highlight of the day, however, was the opportunity to snorkel among the swimming sea lions. All around us, these acrobatic masters of the sea dived and splashed between us, often times having a very close look at our faces through our diving masks. If you have never snorkeled with sea lions, it is truly one of the natural wonders of the world.
This last day among the whales and islands in the Sea of Cortez ended with an unexpected and delightful show. Just as a dazzling orange sun dropped behind the jagged mountains of the Baja Peninsula, dozens of mobula rays and common dolphins were spotted leaping all around the ship, casting shadows on the water and providing glorious entertainment for all.
I have traveled with Lindblad Expeditions to nearly all of our destinations, but I have recently discovered a new love, and it is Baja Mexico. This sentiment was echoed by many of our guests as they spontaneously toasted to all of us who traveled together in this beautiful place for this magical week.
